Frequently Asked Questions

I live on a side road, and the plow has not come by yet, why?

The Department prioritizes plowing main roads with high traffic volumes and greater speeds. By following this practice, emergency services such as the police, fire, and ambulances can respond as efficiently as possible. In addition to ensuring that neighborhood roads are reasonably passable. Remember, Framingham has over 464 lane miles of roads to plow. Please be patient, just because you have not seen one of our trucks does not mean we have forgotten about your street.

Why is there snow at the end of my driveway?

Snow is not purposely placed at the end of your driveway. The City is responsible for keeping roads open and reasonably passable for commuters and emergency vehicles. In order to keep the street clear, snow must be pushed from the center of the road to the curb line. No snow is to be plowed, shoveled, blown, or otherwise placed into a City roadway, as it may pose a safety hazard. Snow placed into a City roadway is a violation of the City's Bylaws, Article V, Section 15. Snow Removal. For more information about this bylaw, please reference this information.

Can you clear the snow at the end of my driveway?

The City does not offer driveway plowing for residents or businesses. There are more than 72,000 residents that live in the City of Framingham, and the Department does not have the equipment or staff or offer a service like this.

I need to get out of my street, and it’s an emergency, who should I call?

If there is a medical emergency, call 911. If it’s not an emergency, please be patient, your street will be plowed as quickly as possible. Available plows must first clear all of the main roads before they begin the residential streets.

It’s no longer snowing, I just finished clearing my driveway, and now there is more snow blocking my driveway, why?

Just because it is no longer snowing does not mean our snow and ice operations are complete. The City’s plows may return once it stops snowing to push back the snow and widen the roads as much as possible in anticipation of more snowfall. We do not purposely do this, but we need to ensure that the roads are wide enough for two-way traffic.

Am I required to clear my sidewalk if it’s not plowed by the City?

No, residents are not required to clear the sidewalk in front of their homes. However, the Department recommends clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property when safe to do so.

Why is my sidewalk not plowed?

The Department does not plow every sidewalk in the City. We do not have the equipment or staff to plow all 173 miles of sidewalk. To view the sidewalk plowing routes, please reference the sidewalk plowing page for more information.

My property was damaged by a City snowplow, what should I do?

If you experience property damage, please either report the issue to the Highway Division at 508-532-6030. Once a report is filed, the Department will investigate the claim.

Mailboxes and fences are only repaired if they are located within private property lines and are sturdy enough to withstand the force of snow being moved by a snowplow.

Please Note: The Department does not repair or pay for damages to items placed in the Right of Way. Basketball hoops do not belong in the City Right of Way and must be removed to avoid damage to snow plowing equipment. Mailboxes and fences installed in the City Right of Way are placed at the owner’s risk.

Is there sand available for the residents of Framingham?

Sand is available for permitted residents on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Recycling Drop-off Center (RDC) located at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue. Please bring a pail and shovel.

Who is responsible for shoveling fire hydrants?

The Framingham Fire Department is responsible for clearing snow from hydrants. However, with over 2,100 hydrants in the City, it is recommended that residents take the initiative to clear the hydrant near their home if safe to do so.

Who is responsible for plowing State highways and roads?

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) District 3 is responsible for snow and ice removal on the state roads in Framingham. The following roads in Framingham fall under the MassDOT’s District 3’s Jurisdiction: Rt. 9 West & East, I-90 West and East, a portion of Hollis Street (from Winthrop to the Ashland Town Line), and a portion of Pleasant Street (West of Rt. 90 overpass to the Southborough Town Line).

MassDOT District 3 can be reached at 508-929-3800.

Who do I call if I lose electricity?

If you lose electricity, please contact the City’s provider, Eversource Electric, at #1-800-592-2000.

Does the City of Framingham have parking regulations in the winter?

The City of Framingham adheres to strict parking regulations year-round. An annual odd/even parking restriction is in effect from January 1^st to December 31^st. Parking is permitted on the even side of the road in an even year and on the odd side in an odd year, unless otherwise posted. During a declared snow emergency, parking is banned on both sides of all posted snow arteries. Vehicles that obstruct snow removal equipment are in violation of the City's Bylaws, Article V, Section 15. Snow Removal. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed. For more information about on-street parking bans, please reference the on-street parking ban information page.

Does the City plow private roads?

No, the City does not plow private roads.

Who should I notify about a pothole in the road from a snowplow?

Please call the Highway Department at 508-532-6030 and let them know where the pothole is located. It will be put on the list and repaired as quickly as possible.

How do I know if trash/recycling curbside pickup will be delayed?

During the winter, it is best to frequently check the City website or DPW’s Facebook and Twitter.

The City will provide the following updates if necessary:

Delays, updates, or cancellations for curbside trash and recycling pickup.
Delays, updates, or cancellations for curbside bulky item pickup.
Any changes to the hours of operation at the Recycling Drop-Off Center